BY SCOTT AUST

saust@gctelegram.com

HOLCOMB — The Holcomb City Council took no action Wednesday on a request to annex property associated with an upcoming water and sewer project for 12 rental homes located on the city's southeast side.

JD and Rusty Farr own property located off Scotty Lane, which currently is served by a private water and sewer system. Last month, the Farrs asked for city utilities to be extended to the property.

To pay for the project, the city would issue bonds and then the property would have a special assessment placed on it to pay the cost back to the city. Before it can receive a special assessment, the property must be platted and annexed into Holcomb.

Mayor Gary Newman said before the annexation is approved, the city will do a title search to make sure no other parties have an interest in the property. He expects the project likely will be discussed again at a January city council meeting.

Costs for the project have not been finalized. Pete Earles, owner of Earles Engineering and Inspection, who also contracts with the city for engineering services, said platting of the property is moving forward and design engineering should begin soon.

In other business:

* The council approved a waiver to city ordinance to allow consumption of cereal malt beverages between midnight and 2 a.m. on Jan. 1 at a private party hosted at The Thirsty Dawg, 301 W. Jones. The waiver was necessary because the ordinance does not allow consumption after midnight. No alcohol will be sold after midnight.

* Newman was reappointed as Holcomb's representative on the Finney County Economic Development Corp. board of directors.

* The council authorized a full day of paid time off for city employees on Dec. 24, instead of the normal half-day.

The Holcomb City Council's next meeting is 7 p.m. Jan. 9, 2013.